Arlington Heights, Illinois, is a fantastic place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're looking for a peaceful walk in nature, a day of sports, or a fun-filled afternoon at a park. This vibrant suburb offers a mix of scenic parks, nature trails, and recreational spaces, making it a sought-after location for homebuyers who love the outdoors.
If you're considering buying a home in Arlington Heights, having access to beautiful green spaces is a huge perk. Here’s how you can make the most of a day outside while exploring some of the best Arlington Heights parks, trails, and outdoor amenities that make this community so desirable.
Morning: Start Your Day With a Scenic Walk or Bike Ride
A great way to begin your morning is with a refreshing walk, jog, or bike ride at one of Arlington Heights’ scenic outdoor spaces.
Lake Arlington
One of the most popular outdoor destinations in town, Lake Arlington is a 50-acre, man-made lake with a 1.8-mile paved trail that loops around the water. The trail is ideal for walking, jogging, or biking while taking in scenic lake views. Early mornings here are peaceful, with locals out for exercise or fishing along the shoreline. The park also features picnic areas and a playground, making it a versatile spot for families and individuals alike. Many homebuyers seek properties near Lake Arlington for its scenic trails and peaceful surroundings.
Ned Brown Forest Preserve
For a more nature-immersive experience, Ned Brown Forest Preserve, commonly known as Busse Woods, is an excellent choice. Spanning 3,700 acres, this large preserve features 10.4 miles of paved trails winding through woodlands, wetlands, and open meadows. If you love wildlife, Busse Woods is a great place to spot deer, waterfowl, and other native animals.Many Arlington Heights residents choose to live near Busse Woods for its serene environment and endless outdoor activities.
Homebuyers Tip: Looking for a home near Busse Woods? Properties in this area offer beautiful green surroundings while still being close to urban conveniences.
Homebuyers Tip: Looking for a home near Busse Woods? Properties in this area offer beautiful green surroundings while still being close to urban conveniences.
Mid-Morning: Enjoy a Park for Sports or Relaxation
As the morning progresses, head to one of Arlington Heights’ parks for some fun activities. The town boasts well-maintained parks with a variety of amenities, from tennis courts to playgrounds and open fields.
Top Parks to Visit
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Recreation Park – One of the oldest and most well-known parks in downtown Arlington Heights, featuring tennis courts, a playground, a baseball field, and an outdoor swimming pool. The green space is perfect for a morning stroll or a game of catch.
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Frontier Park – A larger park offering basketball courts, pickleball courts, a skate park, and baseball fields. If you're looking at homes in Arlington Heights, living near this park offers endless outdoor fun.
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Pioneer Park – A great spot for those looking to take it easy, with shaded walking paths, a pool for fun in the summer, and plenty of picnic areas.
If you're visiting in the summer, several of these parks offer outdoor pools, so if it's a hot day, a quick dip could be the perfect way to cool off. Did you know? Homes near Recreation Park and Pioneer Park are some of the most desirable in Arlington Heights due to their proximity to green spaces and variety of amenities for all ages.
Lunchtime: Outdoor Dining in Arlington Heights
By midday, you’ll want to take a break and enjoy a meal at one of Arlington Heights' excellent restaurants with outdoor seating.
Best Outdoor Dining Spots
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Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub – A beloved downtown Arlington Heights spot with a spacious outdoor patio and a menu filled with classic Irish dishes like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.
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Mago Grill & Cantina – Known for its lively atmosphere and outdoor dining area, this restaurant serves delicious Mexican cuisine, including tacos, enchiladas, and freshly made guacamole.
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Egg Harbor Café – A top choice for a more relaxed lunch, offering fresh brunch-style dishes and smoothies in a pleasant outdoor setting.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Arlington Heights, which features a mix of boutique shops, coffee spots, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Living near downtown Arlington Heights means having access to amazing dining, boutique shopping, and entertainment options-a major selling point for buyers!
Afternoon: Play a Round of Golf or Enjoy a Recreational Sport
If you enjoy golf, Arlington Heights has excellent options to choose from.
Best Golf Courses in Arlington Heights
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Arlington Lakes Golf Club – This 18-hole, par-68 course offers a fun yet challenging layout, suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The well-maintained fairways and scenic water features make for a beautiful afternoon on the course. Many homebuyers seek real estate near Arlington Lakes Golf Club for its serene neighborhoods and easy course access.
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Nickol Knoll Golf Club – A nine-hole course with rolling terrain and great views, making it an enjoyable choice for both beginners and seasoned players.
Prefer Another Sport? Check Out Sunset Meadows Park
If golf isn't your thing, Sunset Meadows Park has a playground, bocce and football fields, and even a driving range. Whether you're playing an organized sport or just looking for some open space to stay active around Arlington Heights, this park is a great choice.
Evening: Unwind With Live Music or an Outdoor Event
As the sun sets, Arlington Heights offers plenty of ways to enjoy the evening outdoors.
Top Outdoor Evening Activities
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Harmony Park Concerts – Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Harmony Park is known for hosting live music performances during the summer months. Whether you're into jazz, rock, or pop, there's always something happening here. Bring a chair or blanket, grab a drink from a nearby café, and enjoy the show.
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Outdoor Movie Nights – The Arlington Heights Memorial Library often hosts outdoor film screenings during the summer. It’s a relaxing way to end the day, watching a movie under the stars.
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End the night with a sweet treat! Stop by Kilwins for handcrafted ice cream and chocolates before heading home!
Reach Out to Our Trusted Local Real Estate Team at GetBurbed
Thinking about buying or selling in Arlington Heights? Our trusted local real estate team at GetBurbed is here to help. With deep knowledge of the local market and full-service staging expertise, we know what it takes to make your home stand out.
Whether you need guidance on color choices, staging strategies, or market insights, our experienced brokers are ready to assist. Contact our trusted local real estate team at GetBurbed today, and let’s make your real estate goals a reality!
Search homes for sale in Arlington Heights here.
Whether you need guidance on color choices, staging strategies, or market insights, our experienced brokers are ready to assist. Contact our trusted local real estate team at GetBurbed today, and let’s make your real estate goals a reality!
Search homes for sale in Arlington Heights here.
